This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/761466800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This position is in the Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Monitoring and Assessment Branch. About: The Office of Research and Development (ORD)
This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *Work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized as described in the Benefits section.
Learn more about this agency11/17/2023 to 12/01/2023
$130,929 - $183,500 per year
Salary will be based on the grade level for which you are selected.
GS 14 - 15
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
No
Permanent
Full-time
Competitive
15
Yes
No
EPA-NF-MPE-2024-0003
761466800
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
-Current federal employee with competitive status; reinstatement eligible; ICTAP/CTAP eligible -Current/former federal employee eligible under misc act/authority/agreement (e.g., land management, postal service, interchange agreement) -Veteran who is preference eligible or has separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service (VEOA) -Applicant eligible for noncompetitive appointment (e.g., Schedule A, Peace Corps, VRA) -PHS Officer
You will:
- Plan, organize and manage the activities of the Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division's (ACESD) Monitoring and Assessment Branch.
- Exercise supervisory personnel management responsibilities.
- Participate as a researcher in representation, planning and implementation of team-based research.
- Serve as an expert consultant on various workgroups, panels or committees.
You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.
One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.
This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.
If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.
If you are selected, you must complete (or have already completed) a 1-year supervisory or managerial probationary period.
Upon acceptance of an initial appointment to a supervisory or managerial position with the EPA, you agree to complete all elements of the EPA Successful Leaders Program. This development program is designed to enhance leadership skills and abilities and meet the Agency's goal of providing new leaders with the skills and tools you need to be successful.
If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period if appointed as Competitive Service or a two-year trial period if appointed as Excepted Service.
#LI-Onsite
In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:
To qualify for the GS-14 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-13 level defined as providing leadership, oversight or technical expertise for a scientific research project of limited scope in aquatic ecosystems; and coaching, mentoring or leading others.
To qualify for the GS-15 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-14 level defined as providing leadership, oversight or technical expertise for a scientific research program in aquatic ecosystems; coaching, mentoring or leading others; establishing and monitoring performance measures to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and progress of a team.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of aquatic science, biology, ecology, social ecological systems, or the effects of nutrients on aquatic ecosystems; 2) Skill in leading a scientific program or project by planning, monitoring and evaluating a range of activities; 3) Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties; 4) Skill in analysis and interpretation of scientific data; 5) Ability to communicate scientific and technical information to a diverse audience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position.
Biologist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.
Ecologist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biology or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.
Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Hydrologist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The coursework must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included the described coursework.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA.
EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Although the Service type indicated in the Overview section is Competitive, you may be appointed as Excepted Service based on your eligibility to be hired under certain appointing authorities.
This position is not in the bargaining unit.
If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.
Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section. If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online assessment. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position and an applicable score assigned.
We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements. If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
NOTE: We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.
Documents to submit online:
-Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections. Your experience description needs to be clear/specific--we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. Include a list of awards you have received if you would like them to be considered.
- College transcripts - must submit unofficial transcripts or list of courses that includes school attended, school address, course titles, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter/semester hours earned. (Official transcripts aren’t required at the time of application; if you’re selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work.) IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures
-Veterans: DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (%), and SF-15 (use current form: SF-15), if applicable (see page 2 of SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of DD-214/VA letter); active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (certification is any written document from the armed forces certifying you’re expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification). If you’re a veteran with a disability and want to be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process, provide documentation as indicated in the noncompetitive appointment bullet below.
-Displaced Federal employees (ICTAP/CTAP): most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station.
-Current/Former Federal Employees: You must submit Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station. SF-50(s) must prove you’re eligible to apply and have met time-in-grade:
• ELIGIBILITY - You must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the Agency section above (the most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status [Block 24/Tenure and Block 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50] and In the Commuting Area [Block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50]).
• TIME-IN-GRADE - If you’re applying for a higher grade, you must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position at the next lower grade. The next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section of this announcement. (Some SF-50 examples that can prove you’ve met time-in-grade include promotions, within-grade increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job.)
-Current Federal Employees: You must submit your most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it isn’t dated within the last 18 months or you haven’t received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). You only need to upload the pages that show overall rating and manager/supervisor’s signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given, not the entire document. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor’s signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.
-If you're applying for a noncompetitive appointment, you must submit additional documents to prove your eligibility:
• Schedule A - To be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process for people with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities, provide documentation from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a US territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation must be on letterhead, include a signature, and state you’re eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR 213.3102(u). For more information: Schedule A Hiring Authority & Sample Letters
• Other - Provide documentation that supports your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment (see Special Appointing Authority Documentation).
Learn more about noncompetitive appointments: Special Appointment Authorities
Learn more about submitting documentation: Uploading Documents
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA’s Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/761466800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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